Sanctions stay: EU prolongs restrictions on Russia over war in Ukraine
Several individuals were excluded from the sanctions package (photo: Getty Images)
On Saturday, March 14, the Council of the European Union extended sanctions against those responsible for undermining or threatening Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence. The restrictions have been prolonged for another six months, until September 15.
According to the EU Council's official statement, the sanctions package will continue to include around 2,600 individuals and legal entities targeted over Russia's unjustified and unprovoked aggression against Ukraine.
The measures include travel bans for individuals, asset freezes, and a prohibition on providing funds or other economic resources to those listed.
"In the context of the sanctions' review, the Council also decided not to renew the listings of two individuals and to remove five deceased persons from the list," the statement said.
The EU also reaffirmed its determination to maintain and increase pressure on Russia "to stop its brutal war of aggression and engage in meaningful negotiations towards peace."
Easing Russia sanctions
Earlier, Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár publicly stated that his country is participating in EU discussions about possibly removing two Russian oligarchs—Mikhail Fridman and Alisher Usmanov—from the sanctions list.
At the same time, amid tensions in the Middle East, the United States has temporarily allowed the purchase of Russian oil. However, European Council President António Costa stressed that the international community must not reduce pressure on Moscow and should continue enforcing the price cap on Russian oil.
